How To Catch California Spiny Lobster

I first started my spearfishing and freediving journey during the month of November so of course I bought my California spiny lobster card when I was purchasing my wetsuit and fins. My very first dive was actually for lobster in the Palos Verdes area and it was a very successful dive, bringing in four legal bugs (spiny lobster). I shortly found out that I must have had some beginners luck on my side because my next dive only produced a single lobster. From that point on I was determined to figure out as many tips and tricks as I could to optimize each dive. I was overwhelmed with the amount of varying information I was reading but over the years I started to figure it out by trial and error and by listening to some seasoned spearos advice along the way. I wish I had one article that summed up all the basic information I needed from the very beginning so my goal in this post is to give any new diver the techniques that I've learned over the years to hopefully go out and get a few bugs of their own.

So with lobster season just around the corner (starting September 27th at 6:00 pm), if you're feeling serious about catching some spiny lobster to impress your friends and family and have the most delicious meal, let's get into it.

Tip #1 - Know your underwater terrain

If you plan on going out during the daytime, you will need to look for dive spots with rocky bottom and underwater caves. Spiny lobster seek shelter under rocks and in caves. They won't be out patrolling the open sand. Try to look for kelp forests because kelp anchor to hard surfaces on the bottom such as rock and coral formations. Where there is kelp, there is likely rocky terrain, and that means more hiding spots for lobster. Breakwalls and rock jetties can be another great place to search especially for beginners because you won't have to swim out as far from shore.

Tip #2 - Time of day

As I mentioned in tip #1, if you're diving during the day then lobster will always be tucked away into the rocks. If you're adventurous enough to go for a night dive, you'll see completely different behavior from the lobster. Spiny Lobster are nocturnal, which means they will be hiding in the dark caves during the day but come out at night to scavenge for food. If you dive in the evening or at night, you will see bugs crawling all over the sea floor. If you do feel daring enough to dive at night just remember to bring a dive light and a trusted diving buddy in case things go south. I always recommend diving with a buddy but at night time it is a must.

Tip #3 - How to catch the lobster

After you spot the lobster try and move as slow as possible to it. Their eyesight is poor but sudden movements will spook them back into their cave. Once you are just a couple inches away from the lobster you will want to try to avoid their antennae, which they use to sense their surroundings, and try grab the lobster on the back of it's carapace or even pin it to the sea floor. You will have to move quick so make your decision of when you want to go for the grab and stick with it. Any hesitation will result in the lobster sensing danger and backing out of reach. Lobster swim backwards by flicking their tails so if you, it is best to attempt to grab slightly behind where you think you're grabbing them because they react fast. Aim for the back of the carapace or where the tail meets it's body. Don't grab the antennae because you will rip them off, lose the lobster, and injure it for no reason. Once you have the lobster in your hand, try to use your other hand to immobilize the tail so there is no chance of it swimming out of your arms.

Tip #4 - Stay calm

Once you finally see a lobster, it's pretty easy to get overrun with excitement but try to keep your cool. You have to keep your heartbeat slow and your adrenaline down to maximize your time underwater. I remember one of the first times diving for lobster I saw a four pound bug sitting half in a cave. I was super stoked because it was one of the biggest lobsters I had seen and my heart rate accelerated rapidly. In the same breath I swam down to it's cave and grabbed it as it shot back into the cave. I had a loose grip on the lobster that I was holding onto for dear life all while having my arm stuck in a small hole all the way up to my shoulder. I was already a minute and a half into my breathhold and luckily I was able to readjust my grip on the lobster and secure it from the cave but had I kept my composure from the beginning I would have had another solid minute to work the lobster out of the hole without all the panic.

Tip #5 - Essential gear

Now that you have the lobster, where do you put it? It doesn't fit on a fish stringer so essential gear includes a mesh lobster bag. It can be kept on your weight belt or on a float and it won't weigh you down in the water. It is also necessary to have a lobster gauge to measure the size. In California, lobster must be 3 1/4 inches measured from between their eyes to the end of their carapace. Anything smaller must be released immediately. Gloves are another must. They don't call them SPINY lobster for no reason and without the proper protection their shells can rip your hands open. I also recommend a dive light even during the day time because those caves can get real dark.

Keep it sustainable!

With this season coming up fast just focus on these tips and you'll be catching California Spiny Lobster every dive. Remember, be safe, bring a buddy, and don't take more than you need. Daily limit is 7 per person but that doesn't mean you have to take 7 every dive. Keep it sustainable! If you are looking for a personalized guided lobster diving experience then click below.